Natural gas powers homes and industries across the United States, yet the same fuel that enables so much of daily life can also present significant risks. When natural gas leaks, ignites, or explodes, it can cause severe injuries, including life-threatening burns. Victims of a natural gas burn injury face overwhelming medical expenses, lengthy recovery periods, and, in some cases, permanent disabilities. Navigating the aftermath of such an incident can be daunting, especially if the injury was caused by negligence.
Kherkher Garcia is here to help. Our experienced natural gas burn injury lawyers are dedicated to securing justice and compensation for victims and their families. In this blog, our lawyers explain the nature of natural gas burn injuries. We also explore common causes, review available legal options, and discuss how a qualified attorney can make a difference in securing compensation for victims.
Understanding Natural Gas Burn Injuries
Natural gas burns are serious injuries that occur when a gas leak or other incident leads to ignition. Burns from natural gas accidents can range from mild to fatal and may involve extensive damage to the skin, muscles, and even internal organs. These injuries often require extensive medical treatments, including surgeries, skin grafts, and long-term rehabilitation.
Types of Burns Common in Natural Gas Accidents
Burn injuries are classified by degree based on their severity:
- First-Degree Burns: These affect only the outer layer of the skin (epidermis) and may cause redness, pain, and minor swelling. While painful, these burns are typically less severe.
- Second-Degree Burns: These burns damage both the outer layer and the underlying layer (dermis) of the skin, causing blistering, swelling, and severe pain.
- Third-Degree Burns: These penetrate all layers of the skin, resulting in a dry, leathery texture. Nerves are often destroyed, so the pain may be less noticeable in the immediate area of the burn, but the damage is extensive.
- Fourth-Degree Burns: These are the most severe burns, impacting muscles, tendons, and bones. Recovery from these burns is extremely challenging and often requires multiple surgeries and prolonged rehabilitation.
Complications from Burn Injuries
Burn injuries from natural gas incidents can lead to severe complications such as:
- Infections: Open wounds from burns are vulnerable to infection, which can lead to further health complications.
- Nerve Damage: Severe burns can damage or destroy nerve endings, leading to numbness, loss of sensation, or chronic pain.
- Scarring and Disfigurement: Extensive burns may result in permanent scarring and disfigurement, impacting the victim’s physical appearance and quality of life.
- Emotional and Psychological Impact: The trauma of a burn injury and its aftermath often leads to emotional challenges, including PTSD, depression, and anxiety.
Common Causes of Natural Gas Burn Injuries
Natural gas burn injuries are often the result of preventable accidents. While some incidents are purely accidental, others may result from negligence, improper maintenance, or inadequate safety measures. Common causes include:
Pipeline Leaks and Explosions
Pipeline leaks are a leading cause of natural gas burn injuries. Corrosion, age, and inadequate maintenance can weaken gas pipelines, increasing the risk of leaks. When a leak occurs, any spark or ignition source can trigger an explosion, endangering nearby workers and residents.
Faulty Gas Appliances
Gas-powered appliances, including stoves, water heaters, and furnaces, are common in both residential and commercial settings. If these appliances are improperly installed, maintained, or manufactured with defects, they can cause gas leaks and subsequent fires or explosions.
Poor Ventilation
In industrial settings, natural gas leaks can accumulate in poorly ventilated areas, creating a dangerous concentration of flammable gas. Without proper ventilation, even a small spark can trigger a devastating explosion.
Lack of Maintenance or Inspection
Neglecting routine maintenance and inspection can lead to dangerous situations. Pipeline operators and gas companies have a responsibility to maintain and inspect gas lines to prevent leaks and minimize the risk of accidents. When they fail to do so, they put lives at risk.
Improper Handling of Compressed Natural Gas (CNG)
In some industries, compressed natural gas (CNG) is used to power equipment. Improper handling, storage, or transportation of CNG can result in leaks, fires, or explosions.
Who is Liable for Natural Gas Burn Injuries?
Determining liability in natural gas burn cases can be complex. Multiple parties may be responsible, depending on the circumstances of the incident. Potentially liable parties may include:
- Gas Companies: Companies responsible for distributing natural gas may be liable if they fail to inspect, maintain, or replace faulty infrastructure.
- Appliance Manufacturers: If an appliance defect caused a natural gas burn injury, the manufacturer of the appliance might be held responsible for producing a defective product.
- Maintenance Contractors: Contractors who perform maintenance on gas systems and appliances must follow safety protocols. If their negligence results in an accident, they could be liable.
- Property Owners: In certain cases, property owners may be responsible for ensuring gas appliances and infrastructure on their premises are properly maintained.
Legal Options for Natural Gas Burn Injury Victims
Victims of natural gas burn injuries may pursue several legal avenues to obtain compensation. Working with an experienced attorney can help identify the best course of action, such as:
Personal Injury Claims
If your injury was caused by another party’s negligence, you might file a personal injury claim to recover damages. In these cases, victims must demonstrate that the defendant’s negligence directly caused the injury. Compensation from a personal injury claim may cover medical bills, lost wages, pain and suffering, and more.
Product Liability Claims
If a defective product (such as a gas-powered appliance) was involved in your injury, you could file a product liability claim against the manufacturer. Product liability claims generally do not require proof of negligence, only that the product was defective and caused harm.
Wrongful Death Claims
If a loved one died in a natural gas incident, surviving family members might be eligible to file a wrongful death claim. This type of claim seeks compensation for funeral costs, lost income, and the emotional toll of losing a loved one.
Compensation Available to Natural Gas Burn Injury Victims
Victims of natural gas burn injuries can seek various forms of compensation to address both economic and non-economic damages. The specific amount and types of compensation available depend on the severity of the injury, the circumstances of the incident, and the impact on the victim’s life.
Economic Damages
Economic damages are tangible losses with a clear dollar value. They may include:
- Medical Expenses: Hospital bills, surgeries, rehabilitation, and any ongoing or future medical treatment.
- Lost Wages: Compensation for income lost due to time off work for recovery.
- Loss of Earning Capacity: For injuries that permanently impact the victim’s ability to work.
- Property Damage: If any personal property was damaged in the incident, such as a vehicle or home.
Non-Economic Damages
Non-economic damages address the emotional and psychological impact of an injury. These damages may include:
- Pain and Suffering: Compensation for physical pain, trauma, and suffering.
- Emotional Distress: Addressing conditions like PTSD, depression, and anxiety stemming from the injury.
- Loss of Consortium: Compensation for a spouse or partner affected by the injury, particularly in cases where the injury impacts the victim’s relationship or quality of life.
Punitive Damages
In cases where the responsible party acted with extreme negligence or intentional misconduct, the court may award punitive damages to punish the wrongdoer and deter similar behavior in the future.
How a Natural Gas Burn Injury Lawyer Can Help
Dealing with the aftermath of a natural gas burn injury can be overwhelming. Navigating medical care, understanding insurance policies, and handling legal claims are challenging tasks for victims and their families. Having an experienced attorney on your side can be invaluable.
Case Investigation and Evidence Gathering
A skilled attorney will conduct a thorough investigation into the cause of the accident, reviewing incident reports, examining maintenance records, and collecting evidence to build a strong case.
Negotiating with Insurance Companies
Insurance companies often try to minimize payouts, especially in cases involving costly injuries. An experienced lawyer knows how to negotiate with insurers to seek fair compensation.
Identifying Liable Parties
Natural gas accidents often involve multiple parties, and determining liability can be complex. An attorney will work to identify all liable parties, from gas companies to manufacturers, to ensure they are held accountable.
Securing Maximum Compensation
With an experienced legal advocate, victims are more likely to obtain full compensation for their injuries. An attorney will calculate both immediate and future costs associated with the injury, aiming to secure a settlement that covers all needs.
Why Choose Kherkher Garcia?
Kherkher Garcia has a proven track record of helping natural gas burn injury victims. Our team understands the complexity of these cases and fights aggressively to ensure our clients receive the compensation they deserve. We provide compassionate, client-focused representation, and we don’t charge any upfront fees – we only get paid if we win your case.
If you or a loved one has been injured in a natural gas accident, contact Kherkher Garcia today. Our experienced attorneys are here to help you pursue justice and rebuild your life after a devastating injury. We have helped thousands of clients and have recovered billions of dollars on their behalf. Don’t wait to find out how we can help you. You can expect more with Kherkher Garcia.
Don’t face the aftermath of a natural gas burn injury alone. Contact Kherkher Garcia for a free, no-obligation consultation. Let us help you hold those responsible accountable and secure the compensation you need to heal and move forward. Get started right now by calling us at 713-333-1030. You can also request more information by completing our online contact form.
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